/sci/ - Science & Math

>>2235250
One of the problems of cost is the fact that each rocket stage is disposed of except the solid rocket boosters of the space shuttle.

What if each rocket section could 'transform' from a cylinder shape into an aircraft shape and fly back home?

If each rocket stage had more weight because of jet engines, foldable wings, landing gears, wouldn't the rocket need an extra stage or two for the payload to get to orbit?

At least that way if three sections could undock and land at a runway safely wouldn't that make getting to orbit a lot cheaper if the entire rocket was re-usable and could fly straight back to the depot reducing recovery time and costs?

Wouldn't this ultimately lower the cost of getting to Mars?